The Wheeler Brothers are a budding group out of Austin, TX, green in so many of the ways that a new band can be, feeling their way around the world of touring and working to grow their name. Yet, what they lack in establishment and a long list of LP’s, they make up for in an incredible sense of confidence and maturity in their debut album and performances that will get even the most skeptical dancing.
I have spent a great deal of time sitting in front of my computer trying to decipher exactly what it is that has allowed The Wheeler Brothers to capture such a large part of my heart. Their album, Portraits, is much more than their folk-rock designation thanks to the use a variety of unique instruments and styles that they meticulously blend into a cohesive sound. Their voices are clear and their lyrics quotable. I find new ways to love each song with every listen.
I met with the boys of The Wheeler Brothers before their set at Utopia Fest. They are fun and energetic, pleased to be playing at their first festival and full of optimism for where this will lead them. The Wheeler Brothers were one of the clear highlights of Utopia Fest, immediately playing the crowd into a dancing frenzy and generating a lot of buzz long after their instruments were packed up. They played a mix of songs off of their album and great covers. I love any band who celebrates the works of others while putting their own spin on it. They closed the night with Louis Prima’s, I Wanna Be Like You. Disney never imagined it played as fun as it was by the Wheeler Brothers under the stars with a crowd of music lovers singing along to every word.
Standing with the crowd, my loud singing voice lost in the cacophony of an enthusiastic crowd, I couldn’t help but think what a great fortune we all had to be experiencing this band in this small, intimate setting. I am excited to see where this genuine group of boys take their music, for it will certainly be to great places.
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